Men's Golf

STANDOUT FRESHMAN CLASS COMPLETE WITH ADDITION OF ADAM BALL

Jan 14, 2013

RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia Commonwealth University will head into its spring season with three outstanding freshmen following the signing of highly-touted recruit Adam Ball (Chesterfield, Va.). Ball, the youngest son of VCU Head Coach Matt Ball and brother of current Ram Matt Ball Jr., began classes Monday and will be eligible immediately.

Adam Ball was ranked as high as No. 2 nationally in the Golfweek US Junior Rankings in 2011 and is a three-time Virginia State Golf Association (VSGA) Junior Golfer of the Year. Ball was the first four-time VSGA State Junior Champion in history, including both the match play and stroke play titles in 2012. His final round 63 at the VSGA Junior Stroke Play Championship in 2012 set a tournament record and paved the way for a seven-stroke victory.

"Obviously, what parent wouldn't be completely thrilled to have both sons playing on his team at same time, especially when their talent level gives us a chance to win championships and make it to the NCAA Tournament," Coach Ball said. "Adam will bring a lot more to the team than low scores. He'll bring camaraderie, leadership and competitiveness."

In 2011, Ball won seven major tournaments and was runner-up at five others. He posted a 69.7 stroke average and was named Virginia Golf Report Amateur Golfer of the Year.

He cut his teeth playing at First Tee in Chesterfield. On two occasions during his career he has recorded a low round of 62 and has twice carded 63 in competition. He recently tore through the front nine at his home course of Meadowbrook Country Club in 29 strokes on the way to a 64.

Harm posted a team-best 74.20 scoring average during five fall tournaments. Harm was the Rams' top finisher twice and placed 10th at the ODU/OBX Collegiate. McNulty, finished fifth at the ODU/OBX Collegiate and 25th at the Bridgestone Golf Collegiate. His 75.53 scoring average ranked third on the team.

"On a couple occasions, we've had a freshman class with two really good recruits, but this would give us probably the best three-recruit class we've had, and that gives us best chance to move the program forward today and in the future," Matt Ball said. "So this should definitely make it one of the best recruiting classes we've had during my tenure as golf coach.

"With Jake McNulty finishing 12th in Canadian Junior National Championship, Steffen Harm tying for fifth in the British Boys Championship and Adam placing third in the USGA Junior Championship, on paper, it makes this a really good group."

With its roster complete, VCU will return to action Feb. 25-26 when it opens its spring campaign at the Dell Walker Intercollegiate in Long Beach, Calif.